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My PC took a crap so I'm setting up a new one. I've been running Avast free version and it seems to work OK but I'm wondering if there is something better available? What do you like?
Avast, AVG, Panda, Kaspersky, etc.

Some things are worth spending coin on, this is one of them.

I have run both Avast and AVG in the past on different computers and both have served me well; I haven't had virus problems with either. I'm just not sure if there is something better out there now.

I used AVG Internet security for a number of years until the company pissed my off with one too many screw ups, I have been using Bitdefender Total Security for a few months and have had no issues.

And I surf some thoroughly disreputable sections of the internet in pursuit of information.

Apple

Nope, Windows 10

Thought you would enjoy that.

The main difference among the free versions is the user interface. They all have access to the same virus definitions. I like AVG, nothing's sneaked by it yet and it stays out of my way. I don't see it, I don't have to fool with it and it just works. Occasionally, not often enough to be a nuisance, you get a popup trying to get you to buy it. But what do you want for nuthin', rubber biscuit?

The paid versions do more hand holding and more effort to prevent you from doing stupid things which is good for naive users but otherwise is mainly a PITA.

Should add that AVG pops up a brag notification when it stops something. You can turn that off.

I've tried a number of free versions including AVG and Avast and I've found that the anti virus capabilities built into Windows 10, Windows Security, is as good as any of them. It updates every day and doesn't impact system performance. In addition, I also use CCleaner's free version to keep the old temp files and other junk cleaned out so as not to bog down my computer.

I'm using a MAC and have Avast free and it has done well. When I have hit something iffy, it flagged immediately. My wife has used AVG and they seem like pests always asking for money.

Use Vipre and Malawarebytes = no problems. Both are $ worth it.

One of the most highly-rated solutions can be had very cheaply: Bitdefender Total Security 2019 FIVE devices (Windows, Apple or Android) for one year for $US 22.95. LINK

The price at Dealarious is WAY below what Bitdefender charges, so I was suspicious and checked the company out first but it is the real deal and Bitdefender happily registered my purchase in both of the last two years. Only needed tech support once, and Bitdefender was fast and efficient at solving the problem.

LINK to a recent review of anti-malware programs

Now, I will just watch the thread for some MacMoron to post that they don't need antivirus so you should get a Mac. Bitdefender does a good job in catching phishing attacks on Macs among other threats.

John
EDITED TO ADD: If you see a counter counting down the time until the special deal expires, don't fret. It seems that there will be a new special deal with exactly the same numbers in a few days. Just marketing...

See, that's why I like AVG. I turned off those notifications. I know enough to make my own decisions on what to click on. If it's truly something bad AVG will just kill it and otherwise I'm not burdened with notifications that are useless to me.

I used to use BitDefender free and it's good but AVG is less annoying.

Windows Defender (comes with windows) is really very good.

If for some reason you don't like it, Avast is rated highly by PC magazine:

https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/267984/the-best-free-antivirus-protection

Thanks for the link! It looks like Avast and Kaspersky have the highest rating so I guess I will stick with Avast.

Good choice. The paid version of Avast! has some system management and privacy tools that you might find worthwhile. The free version is virus only, but it's very very good. I scan my 'pooter every month with Avast! and the free version of Malwarebytes (no real-time protection in the free one) but almost never see anything they've blocked. So Avast! and MSoft Defender must be doing all I need.

For the system tools, cleanup and general speed tweaks, I bought System Mechanic Pro. I find it MUCH better than CCleaner (which constantly bugged me with popups), and well worth the annual subscription.

I thought that was the NRA. 😁

I don't mind paying for top notch protection. I use Webroot and Malwarebytes. Zero issues

Move over to some flavor of LINUX - I've NEVER had any issues of any sort with linux.

On Windows, I've been using AVG. Seems to catch anything that's been an issue, which has been very few.